There had been thunder and lightning overhead too - but the opening round of cyclo-cross brought its own sparks for Verulam Reallymoving.

The St Albans-based cycling racing team kicked off the Central League season with a bang at the Blackpit Brewery in Silverstone.

The first of 10 events, it will culminate in December when Verulam Cycling Club host the Crossmas event at Berkhamsted.

VRM were a big part of the 185 adults and 101 youths competing in Northamptonshire, racing from U8 up over.

The league is always a major target for Verulam Reallymoving, with the team defending overall series podiums across multiple categories.

Three of Verulam Reallymoving's youth stars from previous years put down an immediate statement of intent.

Emma Knox of Verulam Reallymoving stands on top of the podium. Picture: VRMEmma Knox of Verulam Reallymoving stands on top of the podium. Picture: VRM (Image: Verulam Reallymoving) The trio of Samuel Stacey and siblings Emma and Alarik Knox dominated their events, with all three not only expected to be frontrunners here but in the mix in all of the British Cycling national events too.

Emma Knox was first in the U14 girls, winning by over three minutes, and her brother has a five-minute winning advantage in the U16 boys.

Stacey came home almost three minutes clear to win the junior men race.

George Rice was involved in two crashes in round one. Picture: VRMGeorge Rice was involved in two crashes in round one. Picture: VRM (Image: Verulam Reallymoving) George Rice is another young VRM racer expected to see the league podium regularly this season, although he will have to wait a little longer for his first trip after finishing fourth.

That though was after being involved in two crashes during the U12 boys' race.

One week earlier, he had shown the form was there, winning Wessex League at Farnham.

Verulam CC’s youth development programme has been nurturing the next wave of talent and it seems to be working so far.

Winston Ford was first in the U8 race while Greyson Hall took second in the U10s.

Ada Ford was fifth for the U12 girls' with Ieuan Bridge 11th in the boys' race.

The youth programme trains for cyclo-cross most Saturdays throughout the autumn at St Albans Cycle Hub at Cottonmill.

It always welcomes new joiners.

The team also laid down a marker the upcoming season in the adults and masters races.

Paul Caton was winner in the V60 race. Picture: GRANT HUGHESPaul Caton was winner in the V60 race. Picture: GRANT HUGHES (Image: Grant Hughes) Alan Gunner was first for the V40 men, Paul Caton matching that for the V60s.

Davi Braga is getting ever stronger, taking 10th in the senior men, and there was a good performance too from Verulam CC’s Michael Parry in 14th.

Davi Braga of Verulam Reallymoving is getting better and better results. Picture: VRMDavi Braga of Verulam Reallymoving is getting better and better results. Picture: VRM (Image: Verulam Reallymoving) Verulam CC’s Claire Sharp was first V50 woman while Verulam Reallymoving’s Rachel Dunn was fourth in the V40s.

Gunner and Sharp rounded out a full weekend of competition as they were then both in action a day later, with Alan winning the London & South-East CX League race at Herne Hill and Claire taking 2nd in the V50s.

Alan Gunner of Verulam Reallymoving had two trips to the top of the podium. Picture: VRMAlan Gunner of Verulam Reallymoving had two trips to the top of the podium. Picture: VRM (Image: Verulam Reallymoving) It’s not just off-road that the team has been successful though.

The last flickerings of the road season saw Chris Burns finish an excellent second in his class in the final standings of the Full Gas Summer Circuit Series after 25 rounds.

Team-mate Steve Dunn was fifth.

Matt Wight has also taken second in the Will Houghton Circuit Race.

At the last event of the Welwyn Track League, Dale Jetmar took second overall in the youth girls' omnium and third in the handicap at the Peter Waghorn Trophy meeting.